PURPOSE: This rule clarifies the issuance of replacement vehicle identification number plates stamped with the original vehicle identification number assigned by the manufacturer of the motor vehicle or trailer by the Department of Revenue.

1. (1) Upon certified application, the Department of Revenue may authorize the issuance of one (1) metal replacement vehicle identification number (VIN) plate with the original VIN stamped on the plate. The plate will be designed by the department in order to distinguish the replacement plate from the original plate. Before the issuance of any replacement plate, a physical inspection of the vehicle to determine the true and complete VIN must be made by an officer of a law enforcement agency approved by the Department of Revenue for that purpose. The inspecting officer shall certify the inspection in the appropriate place on the application and may retain a copy.
2. (2) After the replacement VIN plate is issued, the Department of Revenue will forward a copy of the application for replacement VIN (see 12 CSR 10-23.426) plate accompanied by the replacement plate itself to the original inspecting law enforcement agency who will make contact with the vehicle owner.
3. (3) The attachment of the replacement plate to the vehicle must be made by or under the supervision of the original inspecting law enforcement officer. A certification attesting to the attachment of the plate shall be made on a copy of the application by the officer and the copy will then be returned by the officer to the Department of Revenue. No replacement VIN plate other than one provided by the Department of Revenue shall be affixed to any motor vehicle or trailer.
4. (4) The fee for the replacement VIN plate will be seven dollars and fifty cents ($7.50).

AUTHORITY: section 301.300, RSMo 1986.* Original rule filed July 31, 1985, effective Nov. 28, 1985. *Original authority: 301.300, RSMo 1939, amended 1941, 1947, 1981, 1984, 1988, 1990.